'and with this coming together... we grow apart.' is a piece for ten-part flexible ensemble by the Jèrri composer Emily de Gruchy. This entire piece is based on the parallelisation [of], forced conjoining [of], and attempted separation of four notes: C, F, G and A♭. 

The title of this composition comes from. aline of text written by the composer within a piece of prose: "... and as we align in parallels, the space between us becomes thinner... and as the space between us becomes thinner, the more we come together... and with this coming together, we grow apart". 

This piece is inspired by the work of Louis Andriessen, particularly 'Worker's Union'. It is an hommage to the composer, who passed away in 2021, the year that this piece was written. This piece is designed to be played with multiple different ensemble combinations, not only to create interesting textures and timbres, but also to be accessible to as many musicians as possible.

Recorded at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
Recording and Mixing by Benjamin Burnett
Mastering by Sam Pugh
Album Cover and Liner Notes by Emily de Gruchy

and with this coming together... we grow apart.

Variations Three and Four — Recorded 30.03.2022

Part 1: Georgia Morgan Turner (Electric Guitar)
Part 2: Dom Daggett (Tubular Bells)
Part 3: Harry Weir (B♭Euphonium)
Part 4: Owain Davies-McCrorie (B♭Baritone)
Part 5: Tom Bradbury (E♭Alto Saxophone)
Part 6: Ethan McInerney (E♭Trumpet)
Part 7: Imogen Emmett (Harp)
Part 8: Serena Sheane (Piano)
Part 9: Sam Pugh (Double Bass)
Part 10: Rebecca Burden (Cello)

Recorded at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
Recording and Mixing by Benjamin Burnett
Mastering by Sam Pugh
Album Cover and Liner Notes by Emily de Gruchy

Variation Four

Variations One and Two — Recorded 30.03.2022

Part 1: Andrew Liddell (Violin)
Part 2: Georgia Morgan Turner (Electric Guitar)
Part 3: Owain Davies-McCrorie (B♭Baritone)
Part 4: Alex Lyon (B♭Bass Clarinet)
Part 5: Tom Bradbury (E♭Alto Saxophone)
Part 6: Natacha Hansen (E♭Alto Saxophone)
Part 7: Serena Sheane (Piano)
Part 8: Dom Daggett (Marimba)
Part 9: Sam Pugh (Double Bass)
Part 10: Alex Ferkey (Double Bass)

Recorded at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
Recording and Mixing by Benjamin Burnett
Mastering by Sam Pugh
Album Cover and Liner Notes by Emily de Gruchy

Variation One

Variation Two

Variations Five and Six — Recorded 30.03.2022

Part 1: Maisie Whiteman (Flute)
Part 2: Andrew Liddell (Violin)
Part 3: Clare Henley (B♭Clarinet)
Part 4: Alex Lyon (B♭Bass Clarinet) 
Part 5: Ethan McInerney (E♭Trumpet)
Part 6: Tom Bradbury (E♭Alto Saxophone)
Part 7: Imogen Emmett (Harp)
Part 8: David Balica (Piano)
Part 9: Rebecca Burden (Cello)
Part 10: Alex Ferkey (Double Bass)

Recorded at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
Recording and Mixing by Benjamin Burnett
Mastering by Sam Pugh
Album Cover and Liner Notes by Emily de Gruchy

Variation Five

Variation Three

If you are interested in working with Emily, please email degruchycomposer@gmail.com 🧩💭

Emily has worked with several ensembles & soloists, including the performer-composer Sam Pugh, Terra Invisus, the Carducci Quartet, Sandbox Percussion, the Riot Ensemble, the Hermes Experiment, Transitions Dance Company, the Manchester Contemporary Youth Opera, the Royal Holloway New Music Collective, and the National Centre for Early Music. She has also been commissioned by several cultural organisations, including Jersey Heritage, ArtHouse Jersey and Art for Guernsey.

Born and raised in Jersey, Channel Islands, traditional Jèrriais culture often influences her compositions, providing a unique amalgamation of French and British sonorities. In recent years, her career has moved towards sonic art and soundscapes, which has led her to collaborate with and compose for cultural heritage and charity organisations - something that she enjoys deeply, and has aimed to bring her prior experiences from working with many professional ensembles back home to Jersey.